An Abba-solutely wonderful night out!

Phyllis Tuckwell’s Living Well team supports patients who need help managing living everyday life with their illness. Many find their symptoms limit the range of activities they can take part in, and some only really leave the house to go to a hospital or medical appointment. Earlier this year, following a suggestion from a patient, the team organised for staff to take five patients to see a George Michael tribute act at Princes’ Hall in Aldershot.

“Being able to take part in an activity such as this, which is not connected to their illness, makes patients feel part of society again, boosting their wellbeing and confidence,” said Rachel Copes, our Living Well sister.

Not long after, patients started talking about organising another outing. The team found that an ABBA tribute act was playing. Six patients and three spouses said that they would like to go, and with three members of the Living Well team also attending, we were able to offer patients one-to-one care for the evening. For both outings, each patient and staff member paid for their own ticket and, under the Essential Companion Scheme offered by Princes’ Hall, all of the carers were able to attend for free.

“We were allocated wheelchair accessible spaces and seats, so we were right at the front of the auditorium, with a great view,” continued Rachel. “It was priceless to see how much enjoyment and benefit our patients got from it. One told me that the last music concert she went to was in the early ’90s, so this was a really special evening for her.”

Being able to look forward to these evenings out, and experiencing them with others who are in a similar situation, helps patients to put aside their illness for a short while and enjoy something that isn’t related to being ill. “It made me feel normal,” said Stephen, one of the patients who went to see the George Michael tribute act.